A hitch for a truck and trailer with the locking member of the hitch adapted for opening and closing of the hitch by travel along a horizontal, rectilinear path. The locking member is moved to a closed position by an air pressurized booster unit. Movement is imparted to the locking member via a booster actuated assembly which additionally functions to move a pressure block of the hitch into engagement with the eye member carried by the trailer. The eye is thereby restrained against undesired movement while in engagement with the post of the hitch. Adjustable means enable the pressure block-eye engagement to be set to achieve the aforementioned result while avoiding restricting rotational movement of the eye. A mechanical lock automatically locks the locking member in a closed position.
A trailer system 10 is disclosed that offers enhanced load carrying capacity and maneuverability. The system includes primary and auxiliary trailers 28 and 30. The primary trailer 28 includes a bed assembly 36 that pivots about a horizontal bar 50 securing it to the primary trailer support assembly 34. The auxiliary trailer 30 is secured by vertical pins 164 and 184 and horizontal plates 96, 160, and 180 to the primary trailer 28. An air cushion system 32 controls the pivotal relationship between the bed assembly 36 and support assembly 34, allowing the auxiliary trailer 30 to be pivoted upward off the ground in connection with a sliding support system for weight transfer. As a result, it is easier to control the trailer system 10 when backed up. A reach 42, which connects the primary trailer 28 to a truck 12, can be extended rearwardly through guides 100 and 166 in the primary trailer bed assembly 36 and auxiliary trailer 30, respectively, securing the trailer system 10 for lifting as a unit to the bed 20 of truck 12 when empty. An adjustable hitch assembly 26 is included on truck 12 to allow the trailer system 10 to be conveniently coupled and uncoupled from truck 12 regardless of slight variations in surrounding terrain.
